News from Portland OR-John Berman ’63

Class Notes
Class of 1963
Posted on January 30, 2012

Being on the west coast, my connection has been mostly with emissaries from Deerfield’s alumni office and letters from the school. If I could get in, I would love to go to the Deerfield of today. I cannot imagine anyone (excluding certain Republican presidential candidates) who wants to step backward, and certainly Deerfield has become awesome. (Being coed brings that type of improvement.)

On a personal note, being a trial lawyer who tried more jury trials last year than the prior five combined, life is not dull. I am helping raise a 13 year old, who makes me laugh at least once a day, and who growls at me at least twice a day.

Our outdoor men’s soccer team is about to start its spring season. It is an over 50’s league, which means some even younger players are “grandfathered in” with their teams when they move up agewise. Our first game is against a near professional team. One of its players was on Ireland’s world cup team.

So that I don’t give any misapprehensions, fortunately we have several talented players, and I am more tolerated than encouraged.

I have appreciated the invitation to attend numerous events on the East Coast. If anyone comes through Portland, let me buy you dinner and introduce you to a really nice town.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the Alumni Association?

Upon graduating from Deerfield, alumni enter a diverse network of former Deerfield students. Deerfield alumni have ventured into almost every area of employment, and many are at the top of their respective fields. The advantages of this vast network are numerous and significant, as every member of the Deerfield family receives the following:

Automatic subscription to Deerfield Magazine
Online subscription to the Deerfield Scroll
Access to the Deerfield Mobile App and directory
Invitations to special events both on and off campus
Eligibility for membership in a number of recognition societies

Alumni are also eligible for alumni awards, such as the Ashley Award, Heritage Award, and the Mimi Morsman Award.

As a member of the Alumni Association, do I have dues?

There are no membership fees or dues for members of the Deerfield family, but Deerfield does ask for assistance in a few areas. First of all, in order for Deerfield to have the most up-to-date records possible, we encourage members to keep us apprised of their current contact info. Alumni are also urged to direct all concerns and suggestions regarding Deerfield’s operations through the Executive Committee, the governing body of the Alumni Association. The committee acts as the voice of the alumni body, and works closely with the school administration. In order to keep tuition affordable and the quality of a Deerfield education at its highest, the Academy depends upon the continuing support of alumni and their families. This support can take the form of annual or capital gifts, or time spent volunteering on behalf of Deerfield.

How can I network with other alumni in my area?

There are regional events in many major American cities. Please visit here for more information on regional engagement.

As a Deerfield alum, am I invited to campus athletic events and performances?

Of course! Be sure to read the latest issue of From Albany Road in your email’s in-box for current news of what is happening on campus. As we also send out periodic invitations, it’s always best to make sure we have your current physical address. And if you do plan on visiting campus, why not tell us ahead of time?

Contact the Office of Advancement

alumni@deerfield.edu
413-774-1474

7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 306
Deerfield, MA 01342

7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 87, Deerfield, MA 01342

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: Deerfield Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.